Chapter SH, Problem 18.8APP

To determine

To Establish:The formula for potassium chlorate.

Answer to Problem 18.8APP

The formula for potassium chlorate is ${\text{KClO}}_3$ .

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The symbol and oxidation number of the positive ion:

Potassium: ${\text{K}}^{1+}$

The symbol and oxidation number of the negative ion:

Chlorate: ${\text{ClO}}_3^{-}$

First write the symbol of the element having positive charge followed by the symbol of the element having negative charge.

  ${\text{K}}^{1+}{\text{ClO}}_3^{-}$

Without the sign, one ion’s charge forms the subscript of the other.

  ${\text{K}}_1{{\text{(ClO}}_3)}_1$ or ${\text{KClO}}_3$

In this case, the subscripts already are the lowest whole numbers that maintain the ratio of the ions.

By determining whether the compound is neutral the formula obtained can be checked. The charge on one potassium ions is $1+$ , and the charge on one chlorate ion is $1-$ . The formula is correct since the compound is neutral.

Conclusion:

The formula forpotassium chlorate is ${\text{KClO}}_3$ .